Saturday, August 29, 2009

Alex Fong 方力申 - 7YRS 七年

01 匆匆
02 鍾意了知己
03 廣東話
04 七年 – 方力申/鄧麗欣
05 怪異集
06 煩得可愛
07 撲翼蝴蝶
08 記憶 (國) – 方力申/孫儷 (機器俠插曲)
09 愛情年華 (國)
10 可能愛上你 (國)

Wang Lee Hom 王力宏

01 Man In The Mirror (力宏向邁克爾 傑克遜致敬)

Super Taste Compilation 食尚玩家之食神歸位大便當

01 只要有心,我們都是食神
02 食尚玩家 (食尚玩家主題曲)
03 愛漫遊愛朋友
04 愛漫遊
05 我的好朋友
06 郊遊交很久
07 2moro的音樂就要醬玩
08 就要醬玩
09 食尚空中電台
10 美食王國
11 再見啦

Original Love Song 原班情歌流行精選

CD 1

01 姊妹 – 張惠妹
02 對的人 – 戴愛玲
03 傻瓜 – 溫嵐
04 失戀無罪 – A Lin
05 愛一直閃亮 – 羅美玲
06 愛我的兩個人 – 盧學叡
07 除了愛你還能愛誰 – 動力火車
08 想念你的歌 – SAYA
09 專屬天使 – TANK
10 走風的人 – 王宏恩
11 根(Lamit) – 盧學叡
12 故鄉普悠瑪 – 紀曉君

CD 2

01 梨山痴情花 – 動力火車
02 聽海 – 張惠妹
03 路口 – 張震嶽
04 空港 – 戴愛玲
05 可不可以愛我 – 盧學叡
06 原來你一直都在 – SAYA
07 藍色雨 – 溫嵐
08 巴冷公主 – 王宏恩/張惠妹
09 忠孝東路走九遍 – 動力火車
10 累格 – 戴愛玲
11 海洋 – 陳建年
12 你快樂所以我快樂 – 巴奈

ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5x10

The popular group Arashi has welcomed the first day of "ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5x10", their 10th anniversary concert tour, at Tokyo's Kokuritsu Kyogijo (until the 30th). "We want to become a group that is known throughout the world 10 years, 20 years from now." Just as they had vowed at their debut 10 years ago, these five people are stirring up a storm not only in Japan, but Asia as well. A million sales of their best of album is also right before their eyes. The hottest five people right now held a magnificent celebration of their memorial year with 70,000 fans.

The final stage. "We are blessed to have received support over these 10 years." Overcome with emotion and moved to tears, leader Ohno Satoshi (28) was hugged by Aiba Masaki (26). It was a very Arashi-like scene.

The tour title, "5x10", represents the 10 years they had gone through together. With three consecutive days of performances at the Kokuritsu for the first time in history for starters, it was a brilliant curtain-dropping to their following 5 dome commemorative tour that will attract 760,000 people.

It was a masterpiece from the very beginning. Just as you wonder if you can see their figures high up in the sky on the stage constructed beside the main stand, they flew 200 metres all the way to the Olympic flame platform at a height of 30 metres. Taking in the view of the seating below them, they hyped up the 70,000 strong audience with "Kokuritsu, let's have fun!!"

With "Raising a storm in the world" as their catchphrase, they debuted in November of 1999 with an average age of 16.6 years. They have literally created a "storm" on this island, but while their national popularity has reached the top, the road they've traveled to get this far had not been smooth.

September of 1999. Starting with a flashy debut conference in Hawaii, they were offered one topic after another. On the other hand, there were periods where their CDs did not sell as many as expected as well. Up until now, the number of both singles and albums that became million-sellers is zero. To Arashi, their first million-seller is right before their eyes with the best of album that went on sale this month, "All the BEST! 1999-2009".

It had taken time for their big break. After their debut, they had taken the train to their jobs for 4 to 5 years. During their 2002 tour, all the members would gather in leader Ohno's hotel room after their shows ended each night to worry over "What should we do to be Arashi-like?" "How can we become like our senpais?" and so on, holding discussions over the direction they should take. It was there that the self-awareness of the members became unified for the first time, and began to move forward in a single direction.

"All of us are diligent. I believe that this is the fruit born from doing everything with care." Like Matsumoto Jun (25) had said, it is the accumulation of hard work and achievements. With Ninomiya Kazunari (26)'s appearance in "Iwojima kara no tegami" (released in 2006) directed by Clint Eastwood and Matsumoto's "Hana yori dango" series that caused a social phenomenon, they succeeded in reaching a new, wider demographic of fans as well.

At the news conference before their show, Sakurai Sho (27) spoke his mind frankly and honestly: "We're a group that took its time a bit. We took the roundabout way, but we're glad to have finally arrived here. We feel all the more joyous." The 10th year is just a single checkpoint. "Arashi's Era" still has yet to end.

Angela Zhang is finally releasing her sixth album!

After one year and eight months, Angela Zhang is finally releasing her sixth album! Before the official release, Angela first warmed up singing at a livehouse. During this secret performance, she sang 15 songs in a row including songs in her new album. After hearing already-released "Bai Bai De", her fans could not resist but call for another encore. This proved that Zhang did not lose a bit of her stage presence! In the end, Zhang decided to sing "Blue Eyes" to thank all her fans who have supported her since her debut six years ago.

She wore a black dress that was cut low and revealed her entire back. This let the fans praise: "You're so slim and sexy!" Zhang turned around and showed off her beautiful backside to her fans. She joked to fans: "Today I'm sexy A, is this sexy enough?"

Zhang first performed her debut single in the music industry, "Journey", then "Invisible Wings/Yin Xing de Chi Bang", "Yi Shi de Mei Hao/Lost Happiness", "Can't Guess/Cai Bu Tou", "Loving You with No Reason/Xi Huan Ni Mei Dao Li", "Number One Sweetheart/Tou Hao Tian Xin", "Days without Smoking/Mei You Yan Chou De Ri Zi" and many other classics. When she sang "I Turn To You", she revealed that when she competed in singing contests in Canada, she often practiced alone near the ocean. The sea was her audience, not to mention a couple of white tourists who were curious. Zhang emotionally said to her fans: "Now, you guys are my audience. A lot of you have supported me since six years ago when I acted in the ido drama. Tonight I see a lot of familiar faces and I feel really motivated. Thank you guys!"

Zhang also mentioned the article the press wrote about her choice of friends. She emphasized that she is a ethical person, someone who will not be influenced by friends. She also thanked her friends who always stood behind her through the thick and thin.

After the calls for encores, Zhang chose to sang "Blue Eyes/Lan Yan Jing" and asked for her fans to sing Qing Feng of Sodagreen's part of the duet. The entire show did not end until after 11 pm! Angela Zhang expressed that this was her first time singing at a live house and interacting with her fans at such a close distance. She felt that it was a fresh experience and rated her own performances at 90 points. (out of 100)

Drama ‘Easy Fortune Happy Life’

In the drama: ‘Easy Fortune Happy Life’, Blue Lan Zheng Long and Joe Chen Qiao En filmed a wedding scene, and both of them ever since they started acting, have experienced getting married in almost every drama, however they both have different insights on marriage. Chen Qiao En at the moment is [not getting hitched kind] and do not have a lot of thoughts on marriage; Blue Lan Zheng Long under the influence of his father, thinks that one need to have all the preparation before starting a family, and pertaining to the way of carrying it out, Blue Lan Zheng Long said: ‘Simple is good, respect the girl’s ideas’.

‘Easy Fortune Happy Life’ championed in ratings, internet fans saw the preview on Blue Lan Zheng Long and Joe Chen Qiao En’s wedding and were curious to know what will be the future developments for both of them, and even asked if this is the ending of the drama. Joe Chen Qiao En said there will be explosion that will follow, and ask the audience to continue to watch and find out.

And to capture the wedding scene, the filming crew went to [中坜] to film, and used the pavilion to decorate into the wedding ceremony venue; and the scene where Grandpa (Ting Jiang starred) escort Fu An (Joe Chen Qiao En starred) to enter the premises, and bestow the bride to Da Feng (Blue Lan Zheng Long starred) at the wedding scene, resulted in everyone filming a few times under the hot sun. Joe Chen Qiao En smilingly said: ‘Because all of us do not have the actual walking down the aisle experience, and the steps and pace we took were not with ease and graceful, hence NG a few times.’

Ever since entering showbiz, Blue Lan Zheng Long had experienced filming wedding photos several times, and Joe Chen Qiao En had also encountered wedding scenes. Although in the drama, she often don a bride’s gown, but Joe Chen Qiao En admitted that at the moment, she is the ‘not for marriage type’, and does not have a lot of opinions for marriage, and also have not thought about what mode to use to get married. Blue Lan Zheng Long under the influence of his father, deem that starting a family requires a lot of responsibilities, and when a guy ties the know, he needs to shoulder the responsibilities of the family and he said: ‘I will get myself fully prepared, before considering starting a family.’As to the mode in getting married, Blue Lan Zheng Long deemed that: ‘Simple is good, and everything I will respect the girl’s ideas, and see what her thinking is.’

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Golden hairstyle has came to the Kpop world

A new trend of golden hairstyle has came to the Kpop world.

There has been a trend for singers to dye their hair golden. From solo debut singer GDragon to So Nyeo Shi Dae Jessica to Jewelry ’shin-sang-nyeo’ Seo In Young.

Taking the on and offline music charts by storm, GDragon was the topic amongst netizens when he first revealed his solo album concept, of which includes the eye-catching golden blonde hair.

He is known for trying out all sorts of different hairstyle for each album released – from apple hair to bangs, to mohican. So with this new golden hairstyle, he has once again become the topic amongst netizens.

And also for So Nyeo Shi Dae member Jessica who transformed with a new long blonde hairstyle for the group’s new album ‘Tell Me Your Wish’, is also the hot issue amongst netizens with the recent news that she will star in the Broadway musical ‘Legally Blonde’ coming 14th November.

And just today, with the release of Jewelry’s comeback 6th album ‘Sophisticated’, Seo In Young was seen with a new blonde perm, Marilyn Monroe, which has gained high interests amongst netizens.

Known to be one of the hottest fashion setter in Korea, with even Seo In Young doing the blonde hair, we may just see a new trend of hairstyles amongst the young in Korea.

Rain at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City

Korean pop star Rain will be kicking off his Asian tour this weekend in Japan.

The singer will perform both Saturday and Sunday at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City. Tickets for the concert, titled, “Legend of Rainism 2009: Rain Asia Tour in Japan,” are already all sold out according to J.Tune Entertainment, Rain’s management agency.

After his performances in Japan, the singer will stage concerts in Seoul and Hong Kong in October and December, respectively.

“Because he’ll be promoting his Hollywood movie ‘Ninja Assassin’ in November, he only has a few dates on his tour schedule,” said an official at J.Tune.

“But though there are only a small number of concerts, we’re all doing more to increase the quality of the performances.”

"Kimi ga Odoru, Natsu" in theaters on 2010

Actor Junpei Mizobata (20) is starring in a new movie by director Hideyuki Katsuki, titled "Kimi ga Odoru, Natsu." The film's female lead will be played by actress Haruka Kinami (24).

The story revolves around the Yosakoi (a style of dance) festival in the Kochi prefecture. Mizobata plays Shinpei, a young man who moves to Tokyo aiming to become a photographer. His ex-girlfriend Kaori (Kinami), left behind in their hometown, learns that her younger sister Sakura (Ayane Omori) has fallen ill with an incurable disease. Sakura's dream is to dance in the Yosakoi festival before her death, and Shinpei ends up having to make a choice between his dreams and his love.

Filming starts later this year. The movie is expected to open in theaters in autumn 2010.

Upcoming TV Asahi drama series "My Girl"

Kanjani8 member Shingo Murakami (27) will be appearing in the upcoming TV Asahi drama series "My Girl." The show was first announced earlier this month with Arashi's Masaki Aiba as the star.

The show is based on Mizu Sahara's manga of the same name about a young man (Aiba) who learns of the death of his former girlfriend (Yuka), who left him six years earlier. She had secretly given birth to his daughter (Momoka Ishii), whom he begins to raise.

Murakami plays a staff member at the nursery school that the daughter attends. The character does not appear in the original manga. Murakami and Aiba previously acted together in a four-episode drama in 2003, which was part of Fuji TV's "Engimono" series.

"My Girl" is scheduled to start on October 9.

AKB48 ranked #1 on the daily charts

As evidence of their growing popularity, the latest single by idol group AKB48 ranked #1 on the daily charts, outperforming even SMAP's newest song. According to Oricon, AKB48's "Iiwake Maybe" had estimated sales of more than 57,000 copies in its first day, compared to less than 31,000 copies for SMAP's "Sotto Kyutto / Superstar." Both were released on August 26.

Before this, AKB48 had never reached #1 on the daily or weekly charts. At this rate, "Iiwake Maybe" is on track to become their first chart-topper when the weekly sales numbers are published next week. SMAP, on the other hand, has already put out 21 number-one singles, including their last 10 releases before "Sotto Kyutto."

Meanwhile, popular anime series "K-On!" occupied the #3 to #5 slots with three new character singles. Last month, the show managed to become the first anime series to reach #1 with a character album.

Episode 18 of "Celebrity Goes to School"

In episode 18 of "Celebrity Goes to School," Shin-dong visited his alma mater, Sewon High School. He told the current students about his own school years and showed them his childhood pictures.

Shin-dong also talked about his first love, which he had never done before. His said that his first love not only encouraged him through his school years, when his family lived in dire straits and when he was full of uncertainty about his future, but she also bought groceries for his family once a week with her own pocket money.

Then, Shin-dong was moved to tears when he received a special gift from the students.

Viewers can hear more stories from Shin-dong about his first love and the hardships that he had to overcome before rising to stardom, as well as see what present he received from the students on "Celebrity Goes to School."

Drama “Paradise Ranch” is being delayed

The reason for the delaying of the first filming for the drama is only to complete it even more perfectly.

A member of the group TVXQ, Choikang Changmin, is going through an acting course which is why the shooting of the drama “Paradise Ranch” is being delayed. Although recently, TVXQ’s company and 3 members of the group is involved in a lawsuit, but during that period, they emphasized that “the lawsuit and an a member’s individual activities will not stop” and they have been preparing for other activities.

Recently, after ending their performance in Japan, Choikang Changmin returned to Korea. He received a very strict one-to-one acting course on days where he doesn’t have to perform. Despite his busy schedule of traveling from Japan and Korea, he has not stop practicing his script and so long as there is time after the activity ends, he will not let go of it.

Choikang Changmin recently expressed that “there has been a series of things happening recently and I, indeed, feel a very huge responsibility. I only want to perform well in this acting challenge, that seems to be like a dream.” and “When we are traveling to and fro from Japan and Korea, so long as there is free time, I will accept advises on acting. To me, acting is a new field and I am also looking forward to it and will have ample preparation.”

Samhwa Networks and SM Entertainment collaborated for the filming of “Paradise Ranch” and is planned to be released this year. In this light story and beautiful music to accompany the matured theme drama, Choikang Changmin will show everyone an unexpected and innocent but romantic acting. The first day of filming will be in early next month.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

MBC TV’s new drama 『Heading to the Ground』

Fangirls are flocking to the filming locations of MBC TV’s new drama 『Heading to the Ground』. They do this just to catch a glimpse of the Leader from the group TVXQ, Yunho.

Yunho, who is doing his acting activities under his real name, Jung Yunho, is starring in the show with Ara, a talent from the same management company as him. It is a love story between Cha Bong Goon, who holds bitterness in his heart, and Kang Hye Bin, a girl who has everything, but wants to fulfill her dreams with her own capabilities.

Yunho’s fans are showing up at every location that the filming takes place at. When there’s a spare moment, between meals, and even when they do late filming, the fans supply them with snacks so that they don’t have to go hungry. They also prepared 120 servings of Samgaetang for the production crew, and the fans are really passionate and concerned about their health.

2009 Global Gathering Korea

Big Bang GDragon and group 2NE1 have been invited for the ‘2009 Global Gathering Korea’.

The officials for this event said on the 26th, “For the lineup for the events, we have GDragon, 2NE1 and also electronic band Cristal Method.”

They added, “We have decided to invite GDragon and 2NE1 as they have great influence on current trends, music and fashion.”

The ‘Global Gathering’ will be held on 18th and 19th September in Seoul Han River Park, it is a great dance music festival moving around 8 countries starting from England.

GDragon will be performing on SBS Inkigayo coming 30th August

GDragon will be performing on SBS Inkigayo coming 30th August.

Initially his first solo performance was set to take place on 23rd August but SBS Inkigayo was cancelled due to the death of Korea’s ex-president Kim DaeJoong. And he will be performing the double title songs ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘Breathe’ coming 30th August on SBS Inkigayo.

YG Entertainment Yang HyunSeok said, “GDragon is currently focusing on practising for his first broadcast. He has prepared some really cool dance and costumes for this stage.” on 25th August.

GDragon will also be adopting minimal broadcast music programme performance like how 2NE1 did with one-show-one-week, focusing on the quality of the performances rather than quantity.

Much attention has been put into GDragon’s solo debut, and his solo debut has been described as ‘GDragon Tsunami’ into the Kpop realm by music officials.

G-Dragon dominates over them with the release of his first solo album Heartbreaker

Girl groups are the hottest things around in the K-pop circles these days. Read: Brown Eyed Girls, T-ara, KARA etc. However, on the 18th of August, Big Bang’s G-Dragon dominates over them with the release of his first solo album Heartbreaker.

According to Mnet Media on the 25th, G-Dragon swept past the girl groups to clinch the 1st place in the TOP 10 charts of August (3rd week). In addition, 5 other songs (including A Boy, The Leaders etc) clinched the 1st to 5th place in the download charts. In Mnet.com, G-Dragon received a high score of 9.01 from around 30,000 netizens.

According to Mnet trend reports, G-Dragon enjoys higher popularity among female fans (53%) and his main fan base consists of those in their teens (36%) and in their twenties (27%).

Just on 18th August alone, Mnet.com recorded 13,000 visitors and related sites have also garnered about 60,000 visitors.

Brown Eyed Girls dominated the charts for the past 3 weeks but is now at the #2 place.

GDragon of Big Bang has been moving up fast

GDragon of Big Bang has been moving up fast on offline music album sales.

A YG Entertainment representative said on 25th August, “GDragon’s first solo album was released offline later than planned on 21st August. And the album sales as of until 24th is 100K.”

“Currently we are still receiving orders for GDragon’s first solo album. We have ordered for another 200K copies to be manufactured at the factory.”

And on Hanteo chart GDragon’s first album has sold over 40K copies, and is the #1 album sales for the week of 18th August till 24th August.

The reason to why the sales volume reported by Hanteo and YG Entertainment is different is that their methods of computing the album sales are different – Hanteo measures nationwide album sales while the entertainment company measures output volume.

First Korean concert at the Seoul YoungDeungPo Art Hall

T-MAX will be returning with a concert after 2 long years and luckily for them, with Kim Joon's recent popularity through Boy over flowers, things are looking good!

3 member band T-MAX will be returning on August 28th, 2009 at 7:30PM KST to put on their first Korean concert at the Seoul YoungDeungPo Art Hall. Prior to this concert, the band put on a concert in May in Japan at the Harajuku Astro Hall, called "T-MAX First Live." They even held concerts in Taiwan and Hong Kong, to establish themselves as a "Hallyu band."

T-MAX's label Planet 905 stated:

"Because of T-MAX's overseas activities, there wasn't many opportunities to meet with domestic fans. With this event, we are hoping T-MAX can meet with domestic fans once again. T-MAX will also be preparing a surprise event for this concert, so we hope fans will highly anticipate it."

Arashi - All the BEST! 1999-2009 (Limited Edition) : First Rank !

1. Arashi - All the BEST! 1999-2009 (Limited Edition) = 33696
2. Acid Black Cherry - Q.E.D. = 30765
3. Miku Hatsune Best ~ impacts ~ = 10064
4. capsule - FLASH BEST
5. Miku Hatsune Best ~ memories ~
6. "Play Zone 2009 Taiyo kara no Tegami" Original Soundtrack
7. Kobukuro - CALLING
8. Hiroshi Kamiya - Hiroshi Kamiya 1st Mini Album
9. HMO aka PAw Lab. - Miku Hatsune Orchestra
10. cali≠gari - 10

TV Asahi drama series "Koshonin ~The Negotiator~"

Last month, it was revealed that the TV Asahi drama series "Koshonin ~The Negotiator~" is getting a movie version next year. It has now been announced that the show will also be getting a second television series this fall.

The original "Koshonin" series aired in 2008, starring Ryoko Yonekura as a police negotiator belonging to a special investigation team (SIT). Yonekura is reprising her role in both the new series "Koshonin 2" and the film "Koshonin the Movie." Takanori Jinnai, Toshio Kakei, and Takashi Sasano are also returning, but the SIT will also have Muga Tsukaji and Ren Yagami as new members.

"Koshonin 2" will air on Thursday nights at 9:00pm, the same time slot as the first series. The premiere episode has been scheduled for October 22. The movie will open in theaters next February.

Lee Hyun as the winner of his third and final song

Composer Park Shi Hyuk chose 8eight's leader and main vocalist, Lee Hyun as the winner of his third and final song, "30 Minutes Ago" of his three-part "Goodbye" series.

Ever since Park Shi Hyuk announed the completion his final song, there has been many speculation about who would be the lucky singer. Super Junior's Eunhyuk even told Park Shi Hyuk himself that he wanted to sing "30 Minutes Ago" on his radio show, and 2AM and 8eight's fans both raped Park Shi Hyuk's mini-hompi to win his favor.

Why was everyone going crazy over this one song? Well, the answer is simple. Park Shi Hyuk is a hit ballad maker, period. He was the composer of Baek Ji Young's "Like Being Hit By A Bullet" and 8eight's "Without a Heart". These two previous songs were part one and two respectively of Park Shi Hyuk's three-part "Goodbye" series, therefore this upcoming song, "30 Minutes Ago" would be the last of the series, which makes it that much more special.

Park Shi Hyuk said, "From a composer's point of view, I wanted to find someone who would best suit and represent the song, who happened to be Lee Hyun. After recording with him, I realized that he was the perfect decision. When you hear the chorus, you will know exactly why Lee Hyun was the one and only perfect match."

Lee Hyun himself showed quite an interest in this song before he even got chosen. In 8eight's mini concert back in April 25th, Lee Hyun spontaneously, without even telling his own members, publicly asked Park Shi Hyuk if he could sing "30 Minutes Ago".

6th album to be released on 27th August

Amidst all the speculation of love relationship between singer Seo In Younga and Lotte Giants baseball player Kim JooChan, Seo In Young’s company came out to clarify.

Star Empire Entertainment said on 26th August, “Seo In Young and Kim JooChan had only on one occasion to come together to have a meal. But after that they never keep in touch again.”

“It is not true that the 2 are in a love relationship. You cannot call 2 people who come together to have a meal lovers.”

Meanwhile, Seo In Young will comeback as part of Jewelry with the group’s 6th album to be released on 27th August.

2nd full length album 'Revolution'

With the Kara mania spreading rapidly in Japan, it's no surprise that even with all that overseas promotion talk, these ladies are still very much in demand in their home as well.

The girls have released their 2nd full length album 'Revolution' and scored double hits with "Wanna" and "Mister" and they're definitely not stopping there. Because of their widespread appeal, ranging from teenage girls to middle-aged folks, expect to see about five future ramyun and clothing CFs from these girls. They have just finished recording a few of those and are in the process of perhaps filming some more. Hooray for having the opportunity to catch the girls' cute and bubbly personalities before they head over to Japan! Then again, who knows, maybe DSP Entertainment might have the girls filming some Japanese CFs as well during their promotional time during their end of the year promotions.

New actress model for Samsung's new digital camera

Actress Han Hyo Joo became the new model for Samsung's new digital camera model, Samsung VLUU recently and her sexy dancing in the CF caught the attention of netizens.

Not known for her dancing, Han Hyo Joo specially took dancing lessons for the CF and showed off her hidden sexy charisma in her red dress. But her hard work paid off as netizens praised her sexy wave dancing, "Never expected that she could dance this well", "Her sexy wave dance was really unexpected", etc. The camera is now avaliable in stores islandwide.

Han Hyo Joo also attended the launch of the digital camera on 25th August as she posed and demonstrated the features, functions of it to the media and trade visitors. A Samsung representative expressed that it had picked Han Hyo Joo because of her super friendly image, which fitted with their concept of 'anyone can use a camera with ease'.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Ayaka Symphonic Concert 2009

With a Best Album set for release on 23rd September and a planned break from work by the end of the year, Ayaka held her final public performance 'Ayaka Symphonic Concert 2009' at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on 20th August.

The concert was backed by 72 members, including an orchestra of 67. After a solemn orchestra performance of 'I believe', Ayaka appeared dressed in a white tunic and a black long skirt, starting off with 'Koikogarete Mita Yume'. "Being showered with the sound of the orchestra is like being bathed in Mother Nature. Even during rehearsals I was moved and have been looking forward to us working together,"said Ayaka. The hall then echoed with the music of the orchestra and Ayaka's singing voice.

"This song was popular with many people and became a hit, a precious song,"she said introducing the song 'Mikazuki'. Lighted by blue illumination as she sang, basking in the spotlight, it looked like a crescent moon (mikazuki) was really shining down on Ayaka. The tune and the arrangement of the orchestra made it a dynamic and moving performance.

For the second part, Ayaka appeared on stage in a red dress. She belted out 'Okaeri', Yume wo Mikata ni' and 'Arigatou'. "I wrote this song a year and a half ago but it fits me now perfectly. No matter how many times I say 'Arigatou', it's not enough and my emotions overflow." With that, voices from here and there in the audience could be heard shouting,"Ayaka, arigatou!"

"Singing this song makes you feel like opening up to people," said Ayaka as she sang 'Minna Sora no Shita' from her latest single. When she finished singing, the orchestra members presented her with a surprise gift, each personally coming up and handing over a red rose. Surprised, Ayaka was moved to tears.

"I'm overjoyed. My face is all soppy (from the tears). Thank you very much," she said, to thunderous applause from the hall.

"Many things have happened, and many will happen from now on but I will never forget my original intentions. I want to believe in myself and walk forward. I want to savour the present moment and link them with my future self. I'd like to show my feelings of gratitude to everyone with a song." The last song was her first single 'I believe'. The hall quieted down to silence as a single piano played. Without a microphone, Ayaka's voice singing a capella reverberated in the hall, leaving the audience in tears.

"Let's meet again! This has been Ayaka!" Smiling as she waved, Ayaka left the stage. It was a 14-song concert that charmed the 5000 in attendance.

Drama ‘Heading to the Ground’

5 member idol group TVXQ’s Choikgnag Changmin will begin filming for his first drama in September.

On the 22nd, TVXQ’s agency SM Entertainment said, “There is a high chance that Choikang Changmin will begin filming for the drama ‘Paradise Ranch’ in early September,” and “Choikang Changmin will be the lead role in this drama.”

This is the first time Choikang Changmin will be starring in a drama in five years since his debut in 2004.

This drama will be co-produced by Samhwa Networks and SM Entertainment, and is planned to begin ariting later this year.

On the other hand, TVXQ’s leader U-Know Yunho’s drama MBC’s new Wednesday-Thursday drama ‘Heading to the Ground’ will begin airing early September. This is also U-Know Yunho’s first attempt at acting.

Popular U.S. drama "Gossip Girl,"

World famous fashion designer Tory Burch recently invited Korean actress Kim Ha-neul and Blake Lively, the star of popular U.S. drama "Gossip Girl," to New York to celebrate the Korean launch of Burch's eponymous label. Kim and Lively met together for a photo shoot for fashion magazine Vogue Korea.

Kim proved herself a box office guarantee with her latest appearance in the film "My Girlfriend is an Agent," while Lively is credited as a key figure in the enormous success of "Gossip Girl." The two were invited to Burch's residence at the luxurious Pierre Hotel in Manhattan and had a fun time trying out new clothes designed for the upcoming fall season.

Burch said that she was happy to see Kim radiate the beauty of the brand. Kim has a unique charm, Burch added, and she exudes cute, feminine or sexy styles in the same outfit.

On meeting the designer, Kim said, "As an actress I've always had a deep interest in fashion and style, so meeting Tory, the inventor of Reva Flat Shoes, was meaningful to me in many ways. I also really enjoyed meeting Blake because we were able to share so much as actresses as well our thoughts on fashion."

blockbuster action spy drama

KBS’s “blockbuster action spy drama” IRIS [아이리스] is scheduled to premiere in October, but even before it unveils itself to the public, it has confirmed that it is producing another iteration: a manhwa by well-known manhwa-ka Lee Hyun-sae.

The decision to publish the new manhwa comes after negotiations between the drama’s production company, Taewon Entertainment, and writer Lee’s agency, Creek & River. The manhwa version will be set in the same world as the television series, but will follow different plotlines unique to the manhwa. The details of publication are still being worked out.

As we’ve seen, there have been lots of manhwas adapted for the screen, but this is a new instance of the reverse in action. There is heightened curiosity as to the outcome, as it has the potential to spawn a new business model.

Lee Hyun-sae is the manhwa-ka who created, among other titles, Strike Love (which was turned into an MBC drama this year) and golf-themed Buddy (set for a drama adaptation later this year).

Iris (the drama version) has been heavily hyped for a while, even before it cast such names as Lee Byung-heon, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Jun-ho, Kim So-yeon, and TOP.

Upcoming Shanghai concert in Nov 2009

As the youngest singer to ever perform at the Hong Kong HungHom Coliseum, Jimmy Lin will set aside racing for the time being and throw himself into charity works and showbiz. At the press conference yesterday he disclosed the plans for his upcoming Shanghai concert in Nov 2009.

At 35 Jimmy still looks boyish. It’s a miracle that years in showbiz and racing have not made their marks on his face. However, the one-time young idol is more mature now. He was in Taiwan doing volunteer works and spending time with the kids at the flood refugee camps. “It is really sad. They can only sleep in sleeping bags and eat lunch boxes. So aside from raising money I will also do something for them.”

Jimmy now appears in Sports news more than in Entertainment news. He has been racing since 1997 and has won 17 first place winner’s cups. That is not what amateurs can compare with. Even though he is a racing fanatic he still find time to star in My Lucky Star in 2007 for fans who love him for years. But that’s not enough. He said yesterday that after the China Rally Championship race in Guangzhou next week he’ll put aside racing for a while. In the recent Beijing race he won 6th place even after blowing a tire.

The concert in Shanghai last year was very successful with 90% attendance. Many fans wanted him to perform here again. The venue will be the indoor Shanghai Grand Stage which has better sound and stage effects. “The songs will definitely be different. The guest list has not been nailed down.” LiYiFei said she’d come if he needed her. There were rumors last year that he was engaged to the Taiwan model Kelly Chen. Will she attend his concert? “Possibly.”

Jimmy is also looking for a good script. “I always want to play a different role, be it a good or bad guy. The role and the storyline have to be very attractive to me.” He is reading many scripts now but it doesn’t look like he has found anything that appeals to him. A reporter asked, “At your age are you still suitable for idol series? Will the success of My Lucky Star lead you down the same path?” Jimmy laughed and said, “Takuya Kimura 木村拓哉 is older than me and he is still doing it. Age is not a problem. Idol series don’t necessarily have young actors only.”

Kiyoshi Hikawa top singer of traditional Japanese

Kiyoshi Hikawa, a top singer of traditional Japanese ‘‘enka’’ songs, entertained fans and tourists recently with a new song with a rumba theme to mark the 10th anniversary of his debut in the business. Hikawa, wearing a black hat and sequined black waistcoat, had the women calling his name as he strutted his stuff at a special gig at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district.

In looking back over his career at a press conference later, Hikawa, 32, said it was important for him to work tirelessly to improve his performances. ‘‘I must survive in this highly competitive world that has its ups and downs and perform for a long time. I’ve been working hard and seriously hoping these 10 years will lead to the next 10 years,’’ Hikawa said.

Khalil Fong is still top 1 in music bank

1. Khalil Fong (方大同) and ‘Timeless’ (Timeless:可啦思刻) with 17.16% sales
2. New Artist Family (新藝人家族) and ‘Faith Map’ (信心地圖) with 14.53% sales
3. Jam Hsiao (蕭敬騰) and ‘Princess’ (王妃) with 7.83% sales
4. Lollipop + Choc7 (棒棒堂+超克七) and 'Deluxe Boxset' (卒業紀念限定盤) with 7.69% sales
5. Shaun Yong Bang (永邦) and ‘Devil’s Tears’ (魔鬼的眼淚) with 4.76% sales
6. Coco Lee (李玟) and 'East to West' (CoCo 的東西) with 3.95% sales (NEW!)
7. Nylon Chen (陳乃榮) and ‘Paradise’ with 3.22% sales
8. Jolin Tsai (蔡依林) and ‘Butterfly’ (花蝴蝶) with 3.03% sales
9. Zhou Bi Chang (周筆暢) and ‘Time’ (時間) with 1.76% sales
10. Tanya Chua (蔡健雅) and 'If You See Him' (若你碰到他) with 1.55% sales (NEW!)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Hollywood blockbuster "The Green Hornet"

Jay Chou has been confirmed to star in Hollywood blockbuster "The Green Hornet", Cameron Diaz has been very excited, a few days ago the two met, Cameron Diaz praised Jay Chou: "We are getting along very happily."

Jay Chou is starring in "The Green Hornet" with Cameron Diaz and Nicolas Cage, it will attract international attention. The foreign news reports that a few days ago Cameron Diaz met with Jay Chou and director Michel Gondry to talk about the preparation details, according to reports, Cameron Diaz plays the role of the receptionist of the male lead "The Green Hornet" Seth Rogen, she has a lot of scenes with The Green Hornet's partner Kato played by Jay Chou.

Cameron Diaz expressed that the new version of "The Green Hornet" will be a lot different from the original whether it be characters or plot, she really admires the director and Jay Chou. According to reports Cameron Diaz has a lot of fight scenes, she has learned Chinese kung fu from filming "Charlie's Angels", she will have a chance to show off along with Jay Chou in "The Green Hornet".

The origin of the news states that in the original version, the receptionist of The Green Hornet is one of the few people who know Kato's real identity, in the new version the receptionist is a super fan of crime shows, she has a good feeling towards Jay Chou's Kato which makes The Green Hornet jealous. If it's true, the scenes with Cameron Diaz and Jay Chou will be very explosive.

Yesterday Jay Chou's company JVR Music responded: "Jay Chou did indeed meet with Cameron Diaz in Hollywood a few days ago, the two did a screen test together, Jay Chou feels very happy, and looks forward to the collaboration."

"The Green Hornet" is the big movie of the year for Hollywood Sony Pictures, because the schedule has already been set, it will be released globally on the 9th of July in Summer, right now they are preparing intensely. According to reports Nicholas Kim Coppola is getting US$20 million to play the mafia boss, Cameron Diaz is getting US$10 million, Jay Chou's participation was agreed by both Nicholas Kim Coppola and Cameron Diaz, you can tell from this the two both really admire Jay Chou.

Black & White

Ivy Chen, who shot to fame after ‘Black & White’ shares a shy kiss with Eddie Peng in their new film ‘Heard’. The original script did not include this scene, and the director purposely waited till the day of filming to tell Ivy, because this scene would be the 2’s first kiss. Ivy’s nervous mood matched the storyline requirements perfectly; sweetness but at the same time a bit anxious.

Eddie, Ivy & Michelle Chen will attend parts of the premiere event, currently it’s set to be on the 28th and 29th of August at Taipei’s 4 cinemas. For more information on times and screenings, please visit ‘Heard’s official

Super Star drama

SS501 Kim HyungJoon together with JunJin and Son HoYoung have been casted for hallyu drama ‘Super Star’. There will be about 30 hallyu star participating for this drama, set to bring the hallyu closer to fans in Asia, like Bae SeulGi, Baby VOS Shim EunJin, Ahn JaeMo, Lee TaeSeong and Seo JiYeong etc.

There will be 10 movie directors involved in this project, and will consists of 10 episodes. The first episode will be ‘The Grape Prince covered in needles’ directed by Lee CheolHa and features Ahn JaeMo, Shim EunJin, Cha HwaYeon etc.

It is said that this project will give opportunities to singers to take part in dramas, breaking the stereotype that singers cannot act, and also riding on the hallyu wave.

‘Super Star’ will be aired in Thailand and also other parts of Southeast Asia. It will be aired later part of this year.

Clinica from Lion

Today Lion announced new commercials for their new dental brushing goods called "Clinica". It’s going to have a total of 5 different products such as toothbrushes and tooth paste and will be advertised in commercials starting on the 27th later this month. Popular actress Eikura Nana (21) has been chosen to work as the image character for "Clinica".

The new toothpaste "Clinica Advantage" is not only going to clean your tooths, it’s even going to provide them with the necessary and useful Vitamin E. It’s also going to protect you from tooth decay, inflammation of your tooth ridges and all the other bad stuff going on in your mouths. The new toothbrush will make it much easier to brush your back teeth thanks to its 4 different types of brushes. The tooth brush is going to cost 220 Yen, while you’ll be able to get the tooth paste for 148 Yen.


As usual, Eikura is trying (successfully) to sell it with her charm: "I’d like to keep my clean teeth by brushing them with Clinica every day!"

Monday, August 17, 2009

Release : David Tao 陶喆 Opus 69 69樂章


01 願主憐憫
02 亂七∞糟
03 暗戀
04 Play
05 火鳥功
06 雪豹
07 關於陶喆
08 我太傻
09 請繼續,任性
10 中國姑娘
11 誰的奧斯卡
12 應徵愛
13 你的歌
14 桂冠英雄

Idol drama [Down With Love]

Idol drama [Down With Love] is in the midst of hectic filming in Hangzhou, and the cast members include Jerry Yan, Ella and Michael Zhang etc. When sharing on his most impressionable scene while filming, Zhang shared, “I have kissing scenes with almost every actress in the serial, with the exception of Su Fei (starring Jade Liu Li Yang).” He even revealed there was actually a “kissing scene” between Jerry Yan and himself. “In that scene, I was supposed to go kiss Ella, but Jerry suddenly popped his head over and the scene ended as a kiss between Jerry and myself.”

Zhen Ming Tian Zi

Miriam Yeung sang the song (which means Mr. Right in English) on a show last night, and she expressed that this song depicts the happiest time of a person's life; it's not refering to a particular person.

When she was asked whether Ding Zi Gao is her Mr. Right, she said she has no idea about it, because there isn't any guarantee in this world, one can only guarantee about his/herself.

13th Huabiao Awards

Actress Zhang Ziyi and directors Chen Kaige and Feng Xiaogang are among the hopefuls for the 13th Huabiao Awards, the highest film honor given biennially by the Chinese government.

Zhang Ziyi is nominated for the best actress award for her role in Chen Kaige's Peking Opera-centered film "Forever Enthralled", Sina.com.cn reported on Monday. In the film, Zhang Ziyi plays Peking Opera singer Meng Xiaodong.

Zhang Ziyi's rivals are Jiang Qinqin ("City of Dreams"), Fan Zhibo ("Emergency"), and Dong Ling ("Heng Ping Shu Zhi").

"Forever Enthralled" director Chen Kaige is competing for the best director award with Feng Xiaogang ("The Assembly"), Jiang Haiyang ("Gaokao 1977"), and Gao Feng ("Da He").

"The Assembly" star Zhang Hanyu is in competition for the best actor award.

"The Assembly" and "Forever Enthralled" are both among the 20 candidates for best feature film.

Acknowledging the frequent cooperation between film talents from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, a new awards category has been added this year to honor those from outside the Chinese mainland. Nominees include "Red Cliff" director John Woo (Hong Kong), and leading actress Lin Chi-Ling (Taiwan), as well as "If You Are the One" actress Shu Qi (Taiwan).

Winners of the 13th Huabiao Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Beijing scheduled for August 29, roughly one month ahead of the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China. To mark the occasion, a record number of film stars are set to grace the red carpet, according to the awards' organizer.

Hataraku Gon!

Actress Ryoko Shinohara (36) is making her return to television acting with a drama special titled "Hataraku Gon!" This will be her first drama in two and a half years.

In "Hataraku Gon," Shinohara stars as Yoshiko Gondawara, a TV news reporter with a reputation for doing tear-jerking interviews. Left by her husband, she was forced to raise her two sons by herself. When she gets assigned to cover a case involving a single mother whose son disappears, she faces a conflict between her personal life and work.

The other cast members include Karina, Jun Fubuki, Yuta Hiraoka, Shintaro Morimoto, Naho Toda, and Ikki Sawamura. The drama will air on NTV this coming fall.

Shinohara's last drama was the popular series "Haken no Hinkaku" in 2007. Later that year, she became pregnant, and in May 2008 she gave birth to her first child.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

New drama, 'You're Hired'

Charmaine Sheh attended a promotional event for her new drama, 'You're Hired'. She says she was afraid of how the audience would react to the series, but was surprised to hear that her friends enjoyed watching her character scold people. Yesterday was Kevin Cheng's 40th birthday. Reporters asked her if she celebrated with Kevin? She joked and diverted the question back at the reporters. She says that she will send a text message to wish him happy birthday, but probably won't have time to meet for a meal. Will she send him a gift later? Charmaine says, "When it was my birthday, Kevin didn't give me a present. If he agrees to give me a present next year for my birthday, then I will consider buying him a gift."

Vic Zhou appointed as the Hong Kong ambassador

According to Hong Kong media reports, Vic Zhou (Zai Zai) has recently been appointed as the Hong Kong ambassador for the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Earlier when he attended an event in Hong Kong, he revealed that he hopes his old love Da S will find true love as soon as possible, at the same time he also denied rumours of Fan Bing Bing ‘electrifying’ him.

Zai Zai will give his full support for the upcoming charity event, organised by UNICEF to help fund-raise for the victims from the Si Chuan earthquake. He expressed that if he has the opportunity in the future, he will personally go and visit the local children.

Zai Zai, who loves children, previously pledged that he would get married and have children at 25. Now he’s realized that that’s unrealistic. He, who is already 28 still remains single, and he sighed saying that this is all up to fate. He said: “My family isn’t rushing me, because my older brother already has a child. At the moment, I wish to concentrate on my work, everything else depends on fate.” Does he have an ideal girlfriend in mind? “My other half cannot rely on her appearance alone, the interactions between us is what’s most important.”

Since he broke up with Da S, both their love lives have often been the media’s focus. He said: “Rumours will affect my work, if because of rumours we have to maintain our distance from each other, then that’s a shame.” Regarding the rumours of Fan Bing Bing ‘electrifying’ him during filming, Zai Zai said: “No, her eyes are so big, she electrifies anything she looks at! Actually, I quite admire her, she’s still so young but has already achieved so much.”

Other than this, he also sparked rumours with his co-star Ivy Chen in ‘Black & White’, but he stressed that they are only friends.

Although his own love life hasn’t landed, Zai Zai is still concerned about his old love Da S’s situation. Ever since the 2 broke up, Da S has sparked rumours with Peter Ho & Louis Koo. Zai Zai revealed that he hopes she will find her other half soon, and will definitely be happy for her: “She’s already an adult, knows how to choose, as long as she feels that that person is good for her, then that’s fine.”

Hong Kong Positive Energy Event

Earlier Maria Chan, Joey Meng and Ho Kee Yau were invited to the "Hong Kong Positive Energy Event" and appeared as "Positive Angels". The 3 of them are used to participating in voluntary work.

Maria Chan and Joey Meng both stated that as long as have they have time they will do their best to carry out voluntary work. Joey will meet up with her family and attend the activities together. Joey feels that not only can she help others but she can also gain a lot from the experiences. Maria would often go to schools and get involved in student activties. She can also share her experiences with the others. As for Ho Kee Yau, he considers that as long as you have been involved in charity events you will be able to discover new aspects in life.

10 Miss Hong Kong 2009 finalists

The 10 Miss Hong Kong 2009 finalists attended the "Trendy Brand Exhibition" event yesterday and designed their own T-shirts. In the end #5 Winnie Ma and #6 Carly Wong were awarded the "Most Creative Award". When the reporter mentioned that the standards of this year's Miss Asia contestants were far worse than the Miss Hong Kong's, #1 Hilaire Tsang and #2 Esther Lam expressed that they didn't read the news reports. However they believe that there are many pretty girls in Hong Kong and the ones that join pageants are all pretty,

As for netizens bashing the contestants and pasting their heads on to Chrisse Chau's sexy body pictures, #2 Esther Lam stated that she didn't mind. Netizens have been bashing Esther because they consider her ugly however it has helped increase her popularity and got her more noticed,. She stated that she will look on the bright side and to have netizens supporting her will encourage her to work harder.

Easy Fortune Happy Life

In TTV, Sanlih Idol drama, ‘Easy Fortune Happy Life’, Chen Qiao En don a sexy nightgown to seduce Blue Lan Zheng Long. Both of them was hugging and kissing passionately on the bed. Blue Lan said: ‘Chen Qiao En appeared to be a bit nervous, but our chemistry was good and after two three takes it was OK.’ Had she ever wore a sexy nightgown to lure her boyfriend? Chen Qiao En said: ‘No, My sexy nightgown is only worn during acting.’

In the drama, Chen Qiao En first wore a red overcoat, then remove the coat, and reveal her sexy nightgown, unfolding her figure before one eyes, and then gazed at Blue Lan Zheng Long with an infinite deep love and express her love, Chen Qiao En shoke her head and said: ‘Oh my God, this is not the usual me’.

This is another challenge for Chen Qiao En after the drama: ’Fated to Love You’. She said with her face reddened: ‘Females who act such scenes, will be shy!’ After the scene was filmed, Chen Qiao En was ‘back to normal’, and make an uproar to use the wine bottle to ‘K’ Blue Lan, and became another person, and this amuse everyone to laugh.

‘Timeless’ is top mandarin album currently.

1. Khalil Fong (方大同) and ‘Timeless’ (Timeless:可啦思刻) with 28.91% sales (NEW!)
2. New Artist Family (新藝人家族) and ‘Faith Map’ (信心地圖) with 18.53% sales
3. Jam Hsiao (蕭敬騰) and ‘Princess’ (王妃) with 8% sales
4. Shaun Yong Bang (永邦) and ‘Devil’s Tears’ (魔鬼的眼淚) with 5.9% sales (NEW!)
5. Jolin Tsai (蔡依林) and ‘Butterfly’ (花蝴蝶) with 3.03% sales
6. Nylon Chen (陳乃榮) and ‘Paradise’ with 2.79% sales
7. Zhou Bi Chang (周筆暢) and ‘Time’ (時間) with 2% sales
8. Jerry Yan (言承旭) and ‘Freedom’ (多出來的自由:秘密自遊) with 1.5% sales
9. Alisa Gao (高以愛) and ‘Self-titled debut album’ (首張個人專輯) with 0.97% sales
10. A-Mei Chang (張惠妹) and 'Amei-Music Is Transformed' (阿密特) with 0.92% sales

"The Green Hornet"

According to Hong Kong media reports, the movie version of "The Green Hornet" which Stephen Chow resigned from starring and directing is going to start filming soon, rumoured to be playing the receptionist of The Green Hornet, played by Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz a few days ago confirmed the news, she also expressed her excitement about working with director Michel Gondry. Cameron Diaz revealed she has met with Jay Chou and they get along well.

Recently Cameron Diaz met with Jay Chou, who is confirmed to be playing Kato, she and the rest of the crew are working hard to prepare for the work ahead, she said: "Seth and Michel Gondry are great, Jay Chou too! We get along well!" At the moment she is studying the old Casey character, she implied both the movie and the character will be new, the role will have a lot of scenes.

Boys Over Flowers

After School UEE (21) will be appearing in a CF together with Boys Over Flowers cast Lee Min Ho and Kim Hyun Joong.

And also with that she has been hailed the 2nd Son DamBi, it is only 4 months since her debut as part of After School releasing their new single ‘Diva’ in April.

She also previously was involved in the CF filming for ‘Haptic Amoled’ with Son DamBi and After School members.

She is also avtive in various variety shows like MBC ‘SaeBaGwi’ and also as talent Park JaeJeong’s make-believe wife on MBC We Got Married.

Many entertainment experts say that UEE has received much attention for being forseen to be able to make it big like Son DamBi since she has been chosen for CFs and also variety shows just after her debut.

Kim HyunJoong’s ‘Jagsal Chicken'

SS501 Kim HyunJoong’s chicken brand (trademark) application had become a talking point. Kim HyunJoong’s ‘Jagsal Chicken’, which he jointly invested with some of his friends, had completed its brand application process on 10-June.

Kim HyunJoong registered the brand ‘Jagsal Chicken’ with his own name at Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). ‘Jagsal Chicken’ has 19 shops such as simple easting place as well as a restaurant, a bar for merry-making, etc. with 14 types of chicken such as spicy, smoked, barbeque, roasted all available in one place.

Before Kim HyunJoong debut as SS501, ran ‘Jagsal Chicken’ together with his childhood friends at Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Kim HyunJoong was the exclusive model for ‘Jagsal Chicken’ during his activities as a singer. And all thanks to that, Kim HyunJoong got contacted as the exclusive model for ‘Hotsun Chicken’.

Kim HyunJoong revealed about this chicken restaurant that he runs through one variety program earlier this year. When the shop’s location was disclosed and fans began to make prank calls, which made the shop close down for awhile. However taking the opportunity during the temporary shut down, Kim HyunJoong got down into expand his business.

For Kim HyunJoong, through the registration of his trademark ‘Jagsal Chicken’ brand, the brand name can be protected from illegal use and at the same time makes it possible to go into franchising of this business.

In the chicken business industry, “It is known that Kim HyunJoong is related to the chicken business and he has already succeeded in the star marketing concept.”

Saturday, August 15, 2009

"Tsubasa" is the 80th morning dorama of NHK

The NHK morning dorama eventually had its last scene done on the 14th. Actress Tabe Mikako (20) played the heroine Tamaki Tsubasa and had tears of gratitude rolling down her cheeks as she received all the blessings from her co-actors after the filming of the final scene. "It was really tough on me and I had thoughts of abandoning the project, but the cast and staff always encouraged me to keep on going. It was an experience that I’m never going to forget."

The filming started back on November 05th last year in Kawagoe, Saitama and lasted for about 10 months with 6 major outdoor shootings in the prefecture Saitama. Tabe couldn’t stop crying after realizing that it’s the end of this very long project. She got asked to make the opening comment during the ending ceremony, but she was overcome by emotions and couldn’t hold back her tears. "Errr…. what should I do. I can’t put my feelings into words…"

Then each of the actors and actresses received a bouquet and Tabe was able to calm down a bit again. "That was a long time, wasn’t it?" She commented with a very bright smile. "The ending party will be next. The 10 months passed in no time and for the sake of getting to that day without any major problems, I’d like to have a drink with everyone again and talk about all our memories from the filming at that party."

Tabe also talked about that experience influenced herself. "Being surrounded by so many other performers, I could feel the enjoyment of many people involved. It was the very first thing I noticed at the set and a great encouragement for myself. My viewpoint on doramas changed a lot thanks to that."

"Tsubasa" is the 80th morning dorama of NHK and tells the story of a girl who comes to Kawagoe to substitute for her mother at an old Japanese confectionary shop. The story focuses on themes such as a family and family bonds. The final episode will air on September 26.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Joey Yung 容祖兒 : Very Busy 很忙


01 Slow Dance
02 答案
03 羅馬時差
04 延長賽
05 這就是愛嗎
06 很忙
07 烏賊
08 夢非夢
09 赤地之戀
10 永遠的愛人

Welcome back Won Bin

After Korean actor, Won Bin, recently completed his 2-year national service to the Korean military, he picked up his first project as a mentally-challenged son in the movie Mother. The movie opened big with a box office record when it was first released in Korea. It was also sent to represent Korea in the Oscar's under the Best Foreign Film category.

Mother tells the story of a determined mother (Kim Hye-Ja) who painstakingly searches for the real offender that instigated her mentally-challenged son (Won Bin) to commit a criminal offence. Known for her acting prowess, the film was brought to greater heights with Kim Hye-Ja's moving depiction of a loving mother.

The film's opening was dampened with devastating news of the ex-president's suicide, and casted a cloud of gloom over the people as the nation mourned the passing of a respected leader. Nonetheless, Mother triumphed against its Hollywood contenders, Terminator Salvation and the Tom Hanks vehicle Angels and Demons to clinch the top spot at the box office.

Mother also beat Thirst, which represented the country in the Cannes Film Festival and the highly acclaimed and controversial A Frozen Flower, to Korea's entry for the Best Foreign Film award at the Oscars.

Judges of the panel revealed that it was important for the film to strike a chord and leave an impressionable note in the minds of the American judges. Mother was not only chosen for its stellar acting and storyline, but also because it was directed by the reputable Bong Jun-Ho, best known for his previous smash hit, The Host.

Premier screening of the movie Laughing Gor's

The premier screening of the movie Laughing Gor's Turning Point, which stars Michael Tse, Anthony Wong, Francis Ng, and Cheng Fala, was met with an impressive turnout of over a hundred celebrities. However, Wong left in protest as soon as he arrived due to seating arrangement problems. He raged that the organizers did not arrange a seat for him and criticized, "Don't arrange such things if you don't know how to do it!"

In a tailored white suit, Wong stole the limelight from lead actor Tse who portrays the titular Laughing Gor which made him a household name. In a flashy entrance, Wong walked arm-in-arm with two of the hottest ladies present that night, Koni Liu and Lorretta Chow. He was in a visibly jolly good mood as he jested, "I definitely feel that they are the sexiest girls present. I feel so lucky that I can't express myself in words."

But that jolly mood did not last long as he haughtily left the event soon after he arrived, "I have a ticket but no place to sit atI'm like the supporting actor now. Do I not look angry?!" and continued, "Don't arrange such things if you don't know how to do it! I look like an idiot standing." Despite the actor's rage, a spokesperson of the company explained that Anthony might be merely joking around as there were pre-reserved seats for him.

The spokesperson clarified that there were already pre-reserved seats for the main cast and the director. "Anthony did not say he was angry over this matter. As it was a large-scale event, he was naturally nervous and wanted to take a seat the moment he entered. However, someone told him that the seat was reserved for other guests." She was too busy entertaining others that night and explained that she would have definitely tried to appease him if she knew of the incident. Michael disclosed that the company had no experience in organizing such things and sought for Anthony's forgiveness.

The company will try to make up for their folly by inviting Anthony for the show's screening tonight.

Japan's Budokan this November

Big Bang will be performing at Japan's Budokan this November, having just debuted in Japan 4 months ago.

According to YG Entertainment, Big Bang will be holding a concert on 4th November at Japan's Budokan. Performing at Budokan is the dream of many Japanese singers and this remarkable achievement by Big Bang (1st Korean singer/artist to do so in the short period of 4 months) attest to their growing popularity in Japan. Prior to Budokan, Big Bang will also embark on a Japan concert tour which will span 6 cities and attract more than 50,000 fans, starting with Nagoya on 26th October.

Although Big Bang's Daesung is currently recuperating from multiple injuries suffered in an accident, YG Entertainment is optimistic that with the Budokan date still a few months away, Daesung should recover in time to rejoin Big Bang and their fans for the concert. To build up momentum, Big Bang will also release their 1st Japanese album and Asia Best 2006-2009 album at the same time on 19th August.

33rd Montreal World Film Festival

Actor and director Eiji Okuda (59) will be serving as one of the judges in the competition category of the 33rd Montreal World Film Festival, which begins on August 27. He is the first Japanese director to be chosen as a judge.

This year, two Japanese films have been entered into competition: Kichitaro Negishi's "Viyon no Tsuma: Outou to Tanpopo" and Miwa Nishikawa's "Dear Doctor." The latter stars comedian Tsurube Shofukutei, who is friends with Okuda.

Okuda himself is no stranger to Montreal. In 2006, he won the festival's top prize with his film "A Long Walk" ("Nagai Sanpo"), starring Ken Ogata. He also appears in Sion Sono's "Be Sure to Share" ("Chanto Tsutaeru"), which will be screened in the Focus on World Cinema section this year.

~YOU~ from Issei Yoshimi (27)

Former J League soccer player Issei Yoshimi (27) has finally been given his chance as a singer. Next month, he will release his first single, titled "~YOU~."

Yoshimi was a top soccer player during his student days, and after graduation in 2001 he began playing for his local Montedio Yamagata team. Expectations for him were high, but a severe injury forced him to retire at the end of 2003.

As a music lover, Yoshimi decided to try turning it into a career. He moved from Yamagata to Tokyo and formed a group, and for three years they did street performances almost every day. With his looks and his voice, he eventually came to the attention of Universal Music, which offered him a contract.

Yoshimi's first release is the love song "~YOU~," which he wrote himself. The single will go on sale on September 2. Three days later, on September 5, he will give the first public performance of the song in front of 20,000 people at the Tokyo Girls Collection, one of Japan's biggest fashion shows.

SM Town Summer 09 album featuring DBSK

With the postponement of SM Town Live 09 this August, the release of SM Town Summer 09 album featuring DBSK, Super Junior and SHINee seems to be the only chance that fans can catch their favourite idols from SM Entertainment under one setting this summer. We have heard the songs from the album in the past few days including Seaside, Scar, Carnival, with DBSK's 12:34 due on 14th August, which is also the same day where the entire album is released.

The Seaside music video was released today through Mnet. And to save money and still promote the song, the music video was a montage of clips put together of the boys from DBSK, Super Junior and SHINee at various performances in the past.

And if you were wondering about why were only the boys included, it was explained over at YesAsia.com that the girls will headline SM Town Winter 09 later in the year.

GDragon’s first solo album ‘Heartbreaker’

The concept photos to Big Bang GDragon’s first solo album ‘Heartbreaker’ has been revealed.

All this time, he has been spotted with different hairstyle – apply hair, mohican, bangs etc, and this time he is back with blonde hair.

YG Entertainment said, “GDragon, who has entered YG at the age of 13, has been producing and being a member of Big Bang all this time, and this is his first solo album in more than 10 years. There will be 10 songs in his solo album this time. And he will show music that is with GDragon’s colours and styles.”
On this week's Star Golden Bell, Girls' Generation / SNSD's Seohyun (God bless her soul) admitted to some awkward relations with fellow SM Entertainment member Key from SHINee.

She admitted, "Although we are the same age, Key and I still only use formal speech (Korean has an informal and formal way of talking) when we talk to each other." When asked, Key also agreed, "We didn't even say hello to one other until I was 4 years into training."

When SNSD won a music show with their single "Tell Me Your Wish / Genie", Key said he got a high five from Sooyoung, but only recieved a 90 degree bow from Seohyun. Seohyun promised on the show that she would try harder to get closer to Key and hoped that the two could become closer and become better friends in the future.

"LIAR GAME" theaters in February 2010

On Thursday, a press conference was held to announce details about the planned "LIAR GAME" sequel. It was first mentioned in April that the popular drama series was getting a second season and feature-length film.

Based on a manga by Shinobu Kaitani, "LIAR GAME" originally aired in 2007. Erika Toda starred as an honest young woman who gets involved in a high-stakes game of deception, aided by an expert swindler (Shota Matsuda).

The sequel will continue from the first season, with the main cast returning, including Michiko Kichise, Kosuke Suzuki, and Ikkei Watanabe. In the drama, the players will face off in four games and a semifinal round, while the final game will take place in the movie, titled "LIAR GAME: The Final Stage."

Yasutaka Nakata (of capsule) will once again be handling the show's music.

Fuji TV will start airing the drama in November, and the movie will open in theaters in February 2010.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

SMTown’s summer album ‘09 SUMMER SMTOWN’

SMTown’s summer album ‘09 SUMMER SMTOWN’ will be released coming 14th August.

After 2 years since SM Town released their last summer album in 2007, they are back to release a new summer album. This time 3 teams from SM Entertainment has participated in the album – Dong Bang Shin Ki, Super Junior and SHINee. And the title song will be ‘Seaside Resting Area’ and will altogether include 4 songs.

Other songs from the album will be ‘12.34′, a song with medium tempo, by Dong Bang Shin Ki, ‘Carnival’ by Super Junior first revealed during their Super Show II concert. Ann also powerful dance song ‘Scar’ by SHINee.

The album will be released on Melon, Dosirak, Soribada etc from 11th August. And the title song will be revealed first, then on 12th August Shinee's ‘Scar’ will be revealed, Suju's ‘Carnival’ to be revealed on 13th and DBSK's ‘12.34′ to be revealed on 14th August.

GTV idol drama ‘Down With Love’

Following in the footsteps of Jay Chou & Leon Lai, Jerry Yan has also ignited a director dream! Recently, he has been busy filming GTV idol drama ‘Down With Love’ and during his free time, he would perch next to the cameraman to learn filming techniques. It seems he’s already started to secretly learn to become a director, hoping that in the future he will have the opportunity to personally step up to the role.

Creating Bonds or Making Fate [인연만들기]

Eugene has announced her next acting project, a drama tentatively titled Creating Bonds or Making Fate [인연만들기]. The series is an MBC weekend drama and will follow the just-premiered comic fusion drama Tamra the Island. (That means it airs at an earlier hour and will likely be more family-friendly than the later prime-time shows.)

Based on books written by Hyun Go-woon, the drama combines the novels Finding Fate and Making a Love Destiny, and will be directed by Jang Geun-soo of Chunja’s Happy Events.

Eugene plays the female lead, who moved to Canada when she was ten and has now completed her law studies in the States while caring for her father and grandfather. She decides to marry her Western boyfriend, whom she met in the States, but her father puts his foot down and opposes the match. As she comes to Korea, what arises is a series of comic events.

n any case, at least Eugene is an apt choice to play a character who has grown up in English-speaking parts, since she’s one of very few Korean actresses who are completely fluent in English. Her latest movie is the summer horror film Yoga School; before that, she appeared in the romantic comedy Romantic Island, while her last drama series was Three Dads, One Mom. Her new drama will air later this summer.

hit song “Nobody”

The Wonder Girls, South Korea’s five-member girl group, sang their hit song “Nobody” before 15,000 spectators on Saturday when they opened for the Jonas Brothers World Tour show in Los Angeles.

The five girls, attired in yellow one-piece clothes, performed in English amid thunderous applause. The group encouraged the crowd to stand up and dance.

Yonhap News said some Asian fans in the audience were seen wearing white T-shirts with the names of the five members.

Debuting in early 2007, the Wonder Girls Sun, Yenny, Mimi, Sohee and Yubin became popular in South Korea in the fall of that year with “Tell Me.” The group’s other hit songs include “So Hot” & "Nobody."

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

FT Isand’s vocal, Lee Hongki will make his musical debut in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream“. This musical will be staged at Kyung Hee University’s Santuary of Peace, from 26th to 31st August.

This romantic comedy, written by Shakespeare, portrays 4 young lovers and their funny interactions with the fairies in a moonlit jungle. This musical will have a much lighter atmosphere.

The musical will be one of the celebratory events for Kyung Hee University’s 60 years anniversary. Besides Lee Hongki, actors who graduated from the Theatre and Film Faculty like, Jeon Jaehyung, Jung Inji, Choi Eunseok and others will also starr in the musical.

The director of this musical is Kim Hakmin, professor of Kyung Hee University’s Theatre and Film Faculty. He had previously starred in musicals like “Phantom of the Opera” and “Miss Saigon“. The music director is Won Misol, who participated in musicals like “Grease” and “Dream Girls“.

The university extends free invitations to residents in the area as well as people with low status. Part of the earnings from the musical will go to scholarship funds to help the needy students.